Prior to this year’s American League Championship Series between the Royals and Orioles, Baltimore Avenue in Kansas City had its name temporarily changed to Royals Avenue. A similar event will occur in Ohio on January 12 for college football’s national championship game. However, this time, it won’t be a street.
Ohio State’s victory over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl vaulted the Buckeyes to the title game against Oregon, and that means it’s time for Ohio to distance itself from all things Oregon. That includes a Toledo suburb named Oregon. Two natives submitted a petition requesting the change, which will be acted upon.
“I grew up in Oregon, Ohio and love the city, but for the day of the ‘Big Game’ I am asking the city council to make a proclamation to change the name of the city for one day,” reads the petition, posted by Matt Squibb via the Toledo Free Press. “Call it Buckeye Town, Ohio City, Brutusville, whatever, you get the point. Let’s not leave anything to chance here! Change the name and support the Buckeyes!”
As far as what the new name will be, that will be announced Monday, January 5.
We’ve already seen an Ohio furniture store offer refunds and a Columbus hospital wrap newborns in “Beat Alabama” blankets in recent weeks. It’s definitely safe to say Ohio is serious about its Buckeyes.
